Meals and Nutrition

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) offers the following Nutrition and Meals services to help older people and younger people with disabilities remain healthy and independent at home.

For more information about any of the following programs or to register, call us at 617-628-2601 and request Aging Information.

When inclement weather or other emergencies cause cancellations, delays, or closings for Nutrition services, a recorded phone message will be left by 7:00 am on the Nutrition Weather Cancellation Hotline: 617-628-2614, ext. 6789.

Weather Cancellation Hotline

Eligibility

To be eligible for most Nutrition programs, you must be:

  • A resident of Cambridge or Somerville
  • 60 and older, or the spouse of someone receiving services
  • Or, if under 60, a resident of an elder/disabled housing site
  • There are additional income guidelines for the Brown Bag and Farmers Market Coupon programs.

Donations are accepted for Meals on Wheels and Community Cafes, and those who are ineligible for these programs may also pay privately. EBT (food stamp) cards may be used for all payments/donations.

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Meals and Nutrition Services

Meals-On-Wheels

Delivers hot, nutritious mid-day meals Monday-Saturday, cold bag suppers for the evening, and frozen meals for weekend use. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with a doctor’s written authorization. $1.50 donation per meal is suggested for eligible participants. Ineligible people may pay $5.50 per meal, $5.75 for special diets.

Meal Menus

Community Cafes

Provides hot or cold lunches in a social setting, such as the senior centers and elder/disabled housing in Somerville and Cambridge. Transportation available with a reservation, by calling SCES at 617-628-2601. A voluntary contribution of $2 is appreciated from eligible participants. Non-eligible participants may pay privately – $5 per meal. EBT (food stamp) cards may be used for all payments/donations.

List of Community Cafes Meal Site Registration Form

Brown Bag Program

Provides 10-15 lbs. of groceries each month for eligible households. Sponsored by the Greater Boston Food Bank and facilitated by SCES, Brown Bag provides a balance of food based on the USA Food Guide Pyramid.

Brown Bag Program Participant Application Brown Bag Program

Nutrition Counseling

Provides nutrition education and counseling by a Registered Dietitian in community settings and at the homes of nutrition program clients. Nutrition counseling helps individuals develop health and nutrition goals that best meet their individual needs, and helps prevent and control diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.

Nutrition Supplements

Offers Ensure supplement drinks at a low cost for those who cannot obtain all of their needed calories through food. Payments can be made by cash, check, or EBT (food stamp) card. Drinks are available for pickup or delivery. Free delivery for SCES clients.  Non-clients pay $2.50 for delivery. To order call, 617-628-2601.

Farmers Market Coupons

Each year, SCES receives Farmers Market coupons through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. SCES generally distributes the coupons in July to various senior housing sites, senior centers, and meal sites, and delivers fresh produce to a percentage of Home Delivered Meals clients. The number of coupons depends upon available funding.

Farmers Market Coupon Information Farmers Market Coupon Program

Learn More

SCES Programs Quick Service Guide